What newish petrol car for £8-13k? 4 seats, 2-3k miles pa

[jg23497]

Hello all. I am a new poster but a longtime lurker here.

I used to drive 30k per anum but after relocating that number has dropped to only 2-3k per year. I mainly catch the bus and cycle to work and most of the driving I do consists of short runs.

My current diesel-engined car is beginning to show its age and no longer feels suitable for the type of driving I do.

The new car needs to be reliable, reasonably new and one that won't destroy my wallet (so probably no 15 year old AMGs please!). It also needs four seats and a bit of room.

On the other hand, fuel economy is not a concern, and after a 100hp diesel I would like something that isn't slow and that can be enjoyed in the bends.

What car would you recommend for a budget of £8-13k? I'm drawn to a MK3 Focus ST at the top end of the budget. Any better ideas?

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

The best Golf Gti that you can find? (Lots of haters on here, but if you can find a goodun they are great!)

[rfn]

Instead of the mk3 Focus ST, what about a 2.5T Focus ST instead (mk2.5).
Or an M135i?

[ZX10R NIN]

If fuel isn't a concern then may I add some leftfield options that won't cost the earth to run and are interesting options.

Peugeot RCZ 200 GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa Brera 3.2/Prodrive

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mercedes E350 Coupe Sport these are good cars & a bit underrated.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

With such low miles I'd go for the 500 I'm bias as I have one but they're very accomplished & a bit of a sleeper.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Infiniti G37

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

M3 Coupe these will be more maintenance heavy.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

S5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If a Hot Hatch is what you want I'd look for a last of the line 2.5T & add some Mountune goodies:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[nunpuncher]

If you fancy a hatch I'd forget about the focus ST and get a Megane RS 250 or 265 if the budget stretches.

[gashead1105]

Mk7 Fiesta ST. 2017 one will still have year+ of warranty and can be had for 13k (or less). ST-3 for me but I live in the countryside and don't have theft concerns.

[Blanchimont]

nunpuncher said:

If you fancy a hatch I'd forget about the focus ST and get a Megane RS 250 or 265 if the budget stretches.

This.

I paid 8750 for an Extreme Blue 250 a few weeks ago. It's my third Megane RS250/265/275. They're great to drive, reliable, great fun at normal speeds and are left field.

[jg2]

Thanks all, some good suggestions here, particularly the left field options that I had overlooked.

[ninjag]

I was at the Infiniti dealership last week and gobsmacked at some of the used prices for what were almost brand new cars! Nice cars.